Highlights

One of 242 built, of which only 30 were sold in France
Very original condition overall
Only 3 previous owners, with the last one since 1978
3.7-litre 6-cylinder engine and 5-speed manual gearbox
Complete brake and gearbox refurbishment recently carried out by Etient
Registered and based in France

The Most

The Sebring represents the latest development of the Maserati 3500, arriving just in time for the brand. Faced with serious financial difficulties, Maserati's move to road models was crucial to its survival. Although a derivative, the new Sebring became one of the best GT cars for the American market, launched at the height of the 60s.

Named after Maserati's victory in the 1957 12 Hours of Sebring, its name was perhaps a little misleading: this was not a pure, aggressive racing car, but an elegant, refined automobile that epitomised luxury and class.

Designed by Vignale, Giovanni Michelotti's superb lines, evocative grille and distinctive bonnet scoop make this car a true icon of Italian elegance. This is not a flashy or surprising car, but rather a work of art to be contemplated and enjoyed.

This is a highly original example, having belonged to just three owners. We understand that this is a solid, hard-working car in good working order, offering the same mid-century Italian glamour that made the Sebring a motoring legend.

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History and documentation

Built in 1966
One of only 30 sold on the French market
Only three French owners
Acquired by the last owner in 1978
Repainted around 2004
Registered in the Thépenier register
Recent refurbishment of brakes and gearbox
Supplied with original registration papers

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Condition

Bodywork in good condition with some corrosion noted
Beautiful Michelotti lines with distinctive grille and bonnet scoop
Paintwork redone in original colour approximately 20 years ago
Attractive alloy wheels

The Vignale lines on the Sebring are among the most beautiful ever to come off the Maserati production line. This example, painted in an elegant silver, shows signs of wear and light patina, but nothing too intrusive. The chrome is well preserved, the lines are consistent, and the underbody, although showing some surface corrosion, remains solid and free of perforations.

Interior never restored
Original upholstery with patina
Highly equipped for its era, with optional air conditioning
Wear consistent with age
Defective rev counter

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Mechanicals

3,694 cc Tipo AM106 in-line 6-cylinder engine with original Lucas injection
5-speed manual transmission
Original locking differential
Recent brake and gearbox upgrades by Etient

Under the bonnet is the famous Maserati engine, unchanged in essence since the 3500GT but offering greater capacity and improved performance. The car retains its Lucas fuel injection system, although it is common for these systems to have been replaced by Weber carburettors.

The vendor reports that it performs particularly well at high speeds and "drives like a dream". No major mechanical problems were reported, making this Sebring an impressive classic for its future owner.

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BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to Car & Classic's terms and conditions. By bidding and/or making a bid, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller, which means that consumer rights arising from European consumer protection legislation do not apply. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic's terms and conditions.

✓ We ask that a non-refundable fee is paid if you are the lucky winner of the auction or if your bid is accepted. Please refer to our FAQs and terms and conditions for specific fees.

✓ This vehicle is "sold as is", on an "as is, where is" basis and without warranty. Photographs and descriptions are for illustrative purposes only and it is customary to carry out a full vehicle inspection prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final offer or tender price, as specified in the advert.

✓ We want the transaction to go as smoothly as you do, which is why UK-registered cars and motorbikes offered for sale on Car & Classic are HPI checked to ensure they have no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and are not financially pledged, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are registered as written off as part of a total loss at the time the advert is placed on Car & Classic and provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) to help you. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the status of the vehicle and it is always worth carrying out a full vehicle history check before making an offer on it.

✓ Buyers are responsible for the collection or delivery of the vehicle. Importing vehicles may incur additional customs duties and import taxes. If you wish, we can recommend a third party transport company who can assist you. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected].